Solve to Learn #07:

Dan Prudhomme | March 19, 2023

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WHO I’M QUOTING:

"Creative problem solving is the art of developing unconventional solutions to conventional problems."

Josh Linkner - Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Innovation Expert

WHAT’S ON READING RADAR:

"Disciplined Dreaming” by Josh Linkner (@joshlinkner)

This book provides a framework for developing creative ideas and implementing them in a practical way. It includes tools and techniques to stimulate creativity, including brainstorming, mind mapping, and role-playing. 

"Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius" by Michael Michalko (@MichaelMichalko)

This book explores the creative process and provides practical techniques for generating new ideas and solving problems. It includes exercises and examples from history to help readers develop their creative thinking skills. 

"Design Thinking: Integrating Innovation, Customer Experience, and Brand Value" by Thomas Lockwood (@lockwood_t)

This book introduces the concept of design thinking, which is a human-centered approach to problem solving that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and experimentation.

SOLVE TO LEARN FRAMEWORK:

SITUATION-FIRST: Most people take an average of 2-3 minutes to jump to a conclusion versus a diagnosis of the facts.

SOLVE: Get to know the situation.

TO (THE OUTLINE): Familiarize yourself with the content and understand the outline.

• STAR Outlining System

1. Situation

2. The 5 Whys

3. Analysis

4. Revenue

LEARN:  Embrace the opportunity and absorb the knowledge!

STAR OUTLINING SYSTEM- SCENARIO

Situation

• A retail store is not generating enough revenue and is struggling to attract customers.

The 5 Whys

• Why is revenue declining?

• Because customers are not satisfied with the products and services being offered.

• Why are customers not satisfied? 

• Because the store is not offering the latest products and styles that customers are looking for.

• Why is the store not offering the latest products and styles? 

• Because the store is not keeping up with the latest trends and consumer preferences.

• Why is the store not keeping up with the latest trends and consumer preferences? 

• Because the store is not invested in market research and data analysis to inform product offerings. 

• Why is the store not investing in market research and data analysis?

• Because the store does not have the budget or resources to do so. 

Analysis

• Brainstorm potential solutions, such as investing in market research and data analysis, collaborating with local influencers or fashion bloggers to promote the store's offerings, expanding the store's product line, or improving customer service.

• Analyze the feasibility and potential impact of each solution.

• Determine the best course of action based on available resources and potential impact. 

Revenue

• Select the most promising solution(s) and develop a plan to implement them. 
• Invest in resources such as staff, technology, or equipment as needed to execute the plan.
• Develop a marketing plan to promote the store's new offerings and generate revenue. 

BURNOUT BUSTING

A burnout busting example could be to empower and involve employees in the market research and data analysis process to reduce the workload of the store owner or manager and also to create a more engaged and invested workforce.  Here's how it can be implemented: 

• Provide training to employees on market research and data analysis techniques.
• Assign teams of employees to conduct market research on trends and consumer preferences in specific product categories.
• Create a process for employees to present their findings and recommendations to the store owner or manager for consideration.
• Offer incentives or rewards to employees for their participation and contributions to the research process.
• Encourage open communication and feedback between management and employees to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

By involving employees in the market research and data analysis process, the store owner or manager can reduce their workload and prevent burnout while also benefiting from fresh perspectives and ideas from employees. 

Additionally, this approach can improve employee engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction, which can ultimately lead to better customer service and increased revenue. 

 FUNNY ORIGINS:

A struggling retail owner named Bob watched a sitcom called "Market Research Mania" and got inspired. 

He asked his skeptical employees to conduct market research, which them to discover a surprising obsession with flamingo-themed products. 

The store stocked up on flamingo items, which flew off the shelves and brought in record-breaking revenue.

The employees dubbed themselves the "Flamingo Squad" and continued to conduct creative market research to keep the store ahead of the competition. 

SEAL THE DEAL

Embracing change is a key aspect of creative problem-solving, which involves accepting ideas and adapting to new situations. 

When individuals develop a growth mindset, a culture of innovation can be fostered. This approach is essential in the "solve to learn" process, which encourages exploring multiple perspectives, challenging assumptions, and identifying solutions to complex problems.  

By implementing these strategies, businesses can foster a culture of change and innovation, stay competitive, and remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.

Just keep unriddling!

DP

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